Wayne Price never expected that becoming a school bus driver would lead to such a meaningful connection with children. After leaving full-time ministry in 2013, he accepted the job after encouragement from a friend who had been a school principal. Before long, Price found himself caring deeply about the students he transported around Montevallo, Alabama, seeing every bus ride as an opportunity to make a positive difference.
One winter morning, Shelby County Schools announced a two-hour delay because of bad weather. Price learned that breakfast would not be served at Montevallo Elementary during the delayed start. When he stopped to pick up breakfast for himself, he suddenly thought about the children on his bus and decided to buy breakfast sandwiches for them as well.
Price purchased about 50 sandwiches, spending his own money despite explaining that he wasn’t wealthy. To him, the cost was simply a small sacrifice that could make a big difference to hungry children. His spontaneous gesture left the students surprised and grateful, with fifth-grader Elizabeth Lopez saying that she was thankful to have him as a driver and that he felt like a father figure to her.
The school’s principal also praised Price, describing his kindness as an example of the supportive spirit within the community. Price explained that his motivation came from his belief that Christmas should be about giving, showing love, and putting others before yourself. For him, the breakfast wasn’t about receiving recognition—it was simply an opportunity to help children who might otherwise have started their school day without a meal.
There was even a small lesson in responsibility after the sandwiches were handed out. Price asked the students not to leave their wrappers scattered across the bus, and they respected his request, leaving the vehicle clean. Years later, the story remains a touching reminder that kindness doesn’t always require something extraordinary. Sometimes, a simple breakfast and a thoughtful decision can brighten someone’s entire day.
